Mask ·  D. R. Congo, Ituri · ID: 3040619

Description

light wood, greyish brown patina, kaolin, dotted painting, framed by grass fibre tufts, in the chin area applied in two layers, slightly dam., abrasion of paint (nose);
Ituri masks were made of the fresh wood of the “ntondo” or “agbagba” tree, specially felled for this purpose. Prayers are said and certain taboos observed by carvers during their work. With the sculpting finished, the mask is painted by an “ishumi”. The ritualist recites sacred formulas and makes offerings while carrying out his work. Later the vegetal fiber fringe is attached to the mask by another specialist, usually the herbalist (who is also a healer).

The object Mask with the object ID 3040619 was part of the auction 83rd Tribal Art Auction on May 28, 2016. The object with the lot number 394 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,800 with an asking price of EUR 900.

You can find more Masks and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.